A plumbing student from Morfa Bychan is to jet off to Russia to represent the UK in an international competition.

Thomas John Thomas, 20, has been selected to travel to Kazan in Russia this August to represent the UK in an international skills competition, WorldSkills.

It’s the world’s largest skills-based competition aimed at raising the profile and recognition of skilled young people from all corners of the globe.

Joining Thomas from Wales in team UK will be Kyle Woodward from Cardiff, Chris Caine from Pembrokeshire, Sam Everton from Ceredigion, Thomas Lewis from Bridgend, Collette Gorvett from Swansea and Phoebe McLavy from Carmarthenshire.

Thomas, who will be competing in plumbing and heating, said: “My team selection competition took place across three days and the tasks given to us were taken from the Brazil WorldSkills final in 2015.

“In the lead up to Russia, my training will focus on all aspects of plumbing and heating from the basics to big projects. I’m also travelling to Switzerland for a training competition to help with final preparations.

“Making it to WorldSkills International was always a big goal of mine. I can’t believe I’ve made it and I encourage anyone with the opportunity to be a part of WorldSkills to get involved and give it their all.”

The young people competing at WorldSkills International have already taken part in regional and national competitions over the past two years and will now face other contestants from across the world in a bid to be named the best in their specialist skill.

More than 55 skills competitions are taking place at the international competition in everything from visual merchandising and welding to aircraft maintenance and hairdressing.

Neil Bentley-Gockmann OBE, CEO of WorldSkills UK, said: “Think Olympic Games – but much more important to the economic future of the United Kingdom.

“This is a life-changing opportunity for all those involved.

“I couldn’t be more proud of these extraordinary young people who will be on the plane to Russia.

“They have worked tirelessly for weeks, months and years to be the best – they are a shining example to the next generation – let’s celebrate their spirit, commitment, and success.”